Medical cleaning valve

ABSTRACT

A valve may have a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The valve may include a valve stem having a lumen extending from a first opening at a proximal portion of the valve stem to a second opening at a distal end of the valve stem. A plurality of seals may be positioned relative to the valve stem. The valve stem and seals may be configured so that a fluid entering the inlet is prevented from flowing to the outlet in a first position of the valve stem and relative to the inlet and the outlet. The valve stem and the seals may be configured so that a fluid entering the inlet flows to the outlet in a second position of the valve stem relative to the inlet and the outlet, the second position being more distal than the first position relative to the inlet and the outlet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/859,537, filed Jun. 10, 2019, which is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to valves for medical devices,for example endoscopes.

BACKGROUND

Endoscopes include functionality to deliver fluids (including air andwater) and suction to a site of a procedure. Tubing for deliveringfluids and/or suction extends from a handle of the endoscope, through asheath of the endoscope, and to a distal tip of the endoscope. During aprocedure, body fluids, tissues, or other material could migrate intothe tubing and, in some cases, lead to clogging of the tubing. In orderto aid in reprocessing of reusable endoscopes between procedures,pre-processing is performed in an endoscopy suite. For example, water orother fluids are flushed through the tubing after the endoscope isremoved from a patient, in order to clear debris from the air/waterand/or suction tubing. One option for accomplishing such pre-processingis a reusable cleaning valve. Such cleaning valves may include a numberof components, including a valve stem (often made of metal) with one ormore channels therein, a number of seals, and an actuation mechanism.The cleaning valve may be inserted into an air/water valve cylinder ofan endoscope after the scope is removed from a patient. An operator maythen depress a button of the cleaning valve for a predetermined amountof time (e.g., 30 seconds) to flush the air and/or water channels of theendoscope prior to further reprocessing of the endoscope. A reusablecleaning valve must be subject to cleaning, itself, in between uses,which can add to reprocessing cost. Therefore, a need exists for valvescapable of performing cleaning functions with less operator interactionor single use valves that do not need to themselves be processed.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to, among other things,valves for medical devices. Each of the embodiments disclosed herein mayinclude one or more of the features described in connection with any ofthe other disclosed embodiments.

According to one aspect, a valve for use in a medical device having afluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The valve may include a valve stemhaving a lumen extending from a first opening at a proximal portion of aradially-outer surface of the valve stem to a second opening at a distalend of the valve stem; and a plurality of seals positioned relative tothe valve stem. The valve stem and the plurality of seals may beconfigured so that a fluid entering the fluid inlet is prevented fromflowing to the fluid outlet in a first position of the valve stem andthe plurality of seals relative to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.Also, the valve stem and the plurality of seals may be configured sothat a fluid entering the fluid inlet is flowable to the fluid outlet ina second position of the valve stem and the plurality of seals relativeto the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the second position being moredistal than the first position relative to the fluid inlet and the fluidoutlet.

In other aspects of the present disclosure, the valve may include one ormore of the features below. A channel seal may be at the second openingof the lumen. The channel seal may form a fluid-tight barrier over thesecond opening in the first position and may permit the flow of fluidthrough the second opening in the second position. The plurality ofseals may be configured to form a slidable interference fit with a valvecylinder of the medical device so that a fluid is prevented from flowingbetween each of the plurality of seals and the wall of the valvecylinder. The lumen may include a bend proximate to the first opening.The channel seal may be configured to receive a channel stem. When thechannel stem is positioned within the channel seal, the valve may be inthe second position and fluid may flow between an area exterior to thevalve stem, the second opening of the lumen, and the lumen. The valvemay further include an actuation mechanism including a button and atleast one biasing member, wherein the actuation mechanism is configuredto transition the valve between the first position and the secondposition, and the valve is biased towards the first position. Theactuation mechanism may be configured to align the first opening of thelumen with the fluid outlet when the valve is in the first position. Thefluid inlet may be a first fluid inlet and the fluid outlet may be afirst fluid outlet.

In other aspects of the present disclosure, the valve may include one ormore of the features below. The medical device may further comprise asecond fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet. The plurality of seals mayinclude a first seal, a second seal, a third seal, and a fourth seal.The first seal may be positioned proximal to the first opening andproximal to the first fluid outlet when the valve is in the firstposition and when the valve is in the second position. The second sealmay be positioned distal to the first opening and proximal to the firstfluid outlet when the valve is in the first position. The second sealmay be positioned distal to the first opening and distal to the firstfluid outlet when the valve is in the second position. The third sealmay be positioned distal to the second fluid inlet and proximal to thesecond fluid outlet when the valve is in the first position and when thevalve is in the second position. The fourth seal may be positioneddistal to the second fluid outlet and proximal to the first fluid inletwhen the valve is in the first position and when the valve is in thesecond position. The lumen may be a first lumen, and the valve stem mayfurther comprise a second lumen extending from a third opening at adistal portion of the first lumen to a fourth opening at a distalportion of a radially-outer surface of the valve stem. The second lumenmay be transverse to the first lumen, and fluidly connects the firstlumen with an area exterior to the valve stem. The valve may furtherinclude a face seal at the fourth opening of the second lumen. The faceseal may be annular and may be configured to form a slidableinterference fit with a wall of the medical device so that a fluid isprevented from flowing between an area outside of the radially outerportion of the face seal and the fourth opening. The valve may alsoinclude an air seal coupled to a radially-outer surface of the valvestem. The air seal may be configured to align with a second fluid inletof the medical device when the valve is in the second position. Thefirst lumen may include a bend proximate to the proximal opening. Theface seal and the air seal may be longitudinally-aligned on aradially-outer surface of the valve stem. A proximal portion of thefirst lumen may be parallel and longitudinally aligned with the secondlumen.

In other aspects of the present disclosure, the valve may include one ormore of the features below. The valve may further include one or morethreads protruding from a proximal portion of the exterior surface ofthe valve stem, and wherein, when each of the at least one thread arereceived by at least one groove of the medical device, the first openingmay be configured to align with the fluid outlet, the fourth opening maybe configured to align with the first fluid inlet, the air seal may beconfigured to align with the second fluid inlet, and the valve may beconfigured to be in the second position. The plurality of seals mayinclude a first seal, a second seal, a third seal, and a fourth seal.The first seal may be positioned proximal to the first opening; thesecond seal may be positioned distal to the first opening; the thirdseal may be positioned distal to the second seal and proximal to thefourth opening; and the fourth seal may be positioned distal to thefourth opening and proximal to the second opening. Each of the firstseal, the second seal, the third seal, and the fourth seal may bepositioned within a first recess, a second recess, a third recess, and afourth recess, respectively. Each of the first recess, the secondrecess, the third recess, and the fourth recess may be in the exteriorsurface of the valve stem and extend circumferentially about thelongitudinal axis of the valve stem.

In other aspects of the present disclosure, a method of deliveringliquid to an air outlet of a medical device, the medical deviceincluding an air inlet, the air outlet, a liquid inlet, and a liquidoutlet. The method may include moving a first seal of a valve distallyrelative to the air inlet, the air outlet, the liquid inlet, and theliquid outlet from proximal to the air outlet to distal to the airoutlet. The method may also include moving a first opening of a lumenextending through the valve from out of alignment with the air outlet toin alignment with the air outlet. The first opening may be at a proximalportion of a radially-outer surface of the valve. The method may furtherinclude applying liquid to the liquid inlet; and delivering the liquidto the air outlet via a second opening in the valve and the firstopening in the valve.

In other aspects, the method of delivering liquid to an air outlet of amedical device may further include one or more of the features below.The method may further include, via a stem, opening a channel sealpositioned at the second opening to permit a flow of fluid through thesecond opening and fluidly connect the liquid inlet, the air outlet, andthe lumen. The lumen may be a first lumen, and the method may furtherincluding moving a face seal at a third opening of a second lumen of thevalve from out of alignment with the fluid inlet to in alignment withthe fluid inlet; and moving an air seal coupled to a radially-outersurface of the valve from out of alignment with the air inlet to inalignment with the air inlet, wherein the air seal prevents air flowfrom the air inlet into a valve cylinder of the medical device; so thatthe liquid inlet, the air outlet, the first lumen, and the second lumenare fluidly connected. The method may further include rotating the valveabout a central longitudinal axis of the valve. The method may alsoinclude moving a third seal of the valve distally relative to the airinlet, the air outlet, the liquid inlet, and the liquid outlet fromproximal to the fluid outlet to distal to the fluid outlet and proximalto the fluid inlet; and moving a fourth seal of the valve distallyrelative to the air inlet, the air outlet, the liquid inlet, and theliquid outlet from proximal to the fluid outlet to distal to the fluidoutlet and proximal to the fluid inlet.

It may be understood that both the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only andare not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. As used herein, theterms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does notinclude only those elements, but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example,”rather than “ideal.” As used herein, the term “proximal” means adirection closer to a surface (e.g., a button) contacted by an operatorfor operating a valve, and the term “distal” means a direction away fromthe surface (e.g., a button) for operating the valve. Proximal anddistal directions are labeled with arrows marked “P” and “D”,respectively, throughout the figures. Although endoscopes are referencedherein, reference to endoscopes or endoscopy should not be construed aslimiting the possible applications of the disclosed aspects. Forexample, the disclosed aspects may be used with duodenoscopes,bronchoscopes, ureteroscopes, colonoscopes, catheters, diagnostic ortherapeutic tools or devices, or other types of medical devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate examples of the presentdisclosure and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure.

FIGS. 1A-1B show cross-sectional views of a first exemplary valve.

FIGS. 2A-2B show cross-sectional views of a second exemplary valve.

FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of a channel and a protrusionof the first exemplary valve shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A valve may be configured to provide cleaning functionality to airchannels of an endoscope. In at least some embodiments, the valve may beappropriate for a single-use and therefore be disposable, and in otherembodiments, the valve may be appropriate for repeated use. In a firstconfiguration, the valve may provide a continuous feed of air to an airchannel in a handle and sheath of an endoscope, and through an air/waternozzle at the distal end of the endoscope. In a second configuration,the valve may feed water into the air channel in the handle and sheathand through an air/water nozzle. In some examples, the valve may be madefrom a limited number of parts and materials, to limit its cost, so thatit is disposable.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary valve 100 in a valvecylinder 102. Valve cylinder 102 may have surfaces 103 that define acavity into which valve 100 may be inserted. Valve cylinder 102 mayinclude connections to channels for inflow or outflow of air or water ina medical device, such as an endoscope. For example, valve cylinder 102may have an air inlet 112 and an air outlet 114. Valve cylinder 102 mayalso have a water inlet 108 and a water outlet 110. From proximal todistal, the outlets may be ordered as follows: air outlet 114, air inlet112, water outlet 110, and water inlet 108. Valve cylinder 102 may beincorporated in a handle of the medical device, for example anendoscope.

Valve 100 may have a valve stem 104. Valve stem 104 may be cylindricaland may have a decreasing circumference around a longitudinal axis ofvalve stem 104 moving from a proximal portion to a distal portion of thevalve stem 104. Valve stem 104 may have an exterior surface configuredto align with an interior surface 103 of valve cylinder 102. Portions ofvalve stem 104 may be made from metal (e.g., stainless steel, titanium,aluminum, etc.), from a polymer (e.g. polycarbonate, ABS, HDPE, Nylon,PEEK, thermoplastic, plastic, etc.), or from any other suitablematerial, or combinations thereof.

Valve stem 104 may include a channel 124 extending from a distal end ofvalve stem 104 to a proximal portion of valve stem 104. Channel 124 mayinclude a proximal opening 125, a distal opening 126, and a turn or bend127. Channel 124 may fluidly connect an opening in a channel seal 122 toan area at a proximal portion of valve cylinder 102 external to valvestem 104. Turn 127 may be a substantially ninety degree turn such thatproximal opening 125 faces radially outward from a central longitudinalaxis of valve stem 104 and distal opening 126 faces the direction of thecentral longitudinal axis of valve stem 104. In some examples, turn 127may be a curved portion of channel 124 (not shown).

Proximal portion of valve 100 may include a button 105 and an actuationmechanism 180. Actuation mechanism 180 may be positioned between button105 and valve cylinder 102. Button 105 may be formed as one continuousstructure with valve stem 104, or button 105 may be a separate structureattached to valve stem 104. Button 105 may have an outer circumferencethat is wider than a proximal opening 106 of valve cylinder 102, so thatwhen button 105 is depressed, button 105 cannot pass through theproximal opening of valve cylinder 102. In some examples, button 105 mayhave an outer circumference that is narrower than a proximal opening 106of valve cylinder 102, and actuation mechanism 180 may prevent button105 from passing through the proximal opening of valve cylinder 102.

Valve stem 104 may be fitted with one or more seals. For example, valvestem 104 may include, in a direction from proximal to distal, a firstseal 130, a second seal 132, a third seal 134, and a fourth seal 136.Seals 130, 132, 134, 136 may be, for example, O-rings. Seals 130, 132,134, 136 may be formed from an elastomeric material. Valve stem 104 mayalso include a channel seal 122, which may be made of the same ordifferent material as seals 130, 132, 134, 136 (e.g., an elastomericmaterial), or any material to form a seal between the valve stem 104 andthe valve cylinder 102 to prevent a fluid flow. Channel seal 122 mayprevent passage of fluid or other substance into channel 124 when in aclosed position, and may permit passage of fluid or other substancesproximally past channel seal 122 when in an open position. Channel seal122 may be opened by a channel stem 120 positioned at a distal innersurface 121 of valve cylinder 102. First seal 130 and second seal 132may be disposed on a proximal portion of valve stem 104. Third seal 134and fourth seal 136 may be disposed on a distal portion of valve stem104. Channel seal 122 may be disposed at a distal end of valve stem 104.Alternatively, seals 130, 132, 134, 136 and channel seal 122 may bedisposed on alternative portions of valve stem 102 or in differentorders. Proximal opening 125 of channel 124 may be disposed betweenfirst seal 130 and second seal 132. Channel seal 122 may be disposed atdistal opening 126 of channel 124 and close opening 126 when seal 122 isin a closed position.

Seals 132, 134, 136 may be configured so as to form a slidableinterference fit between seals 132, 134, and 136 and surface 103. Thus,valve stem 104 can move relative to surface 103, but fluids (e.g. waterand air) cannot move between seals 130, 132, 134, and 136 and surface103. Thus, seals 132, 134, and 136 prevent movement of fluids in aproximal or distal direction past seals 132, 134, and 136.

Channel seal 122 may be biased toward a closed position such that fluidis prevented from flowing through channel seal 122 when channel seal 122is in a closed position. Channel seal 122 may be opened by positioningan object within a radially-inner portion of channel seal 122. Channelseal 122 may be, for example, a circular and plate-like shape with aslit, flap, or duck-bill seal at its radially-inner portion. Channelseal 122 may be configured to receive channel stem 120. For example,stem 120 may protrude through a portion of a slit, flap, or otherportion of seal 122. Channel stem 120 may protrude from a distal innersurface 121 of valve cylinder 102. Channel stem 120 may be cylindricaland may have a circumference smaller than the circumference of channel124. Distal opening 126 of channel 124 may be configured to receivedchannel stem 120. In some embodiments not shown, channel stem 120 mayinclude a channel, lumen, or other configuration to allow fluid to movethrough an interior portion of channel stem 120 from an area proximateto a distal portion of channel stem 120 to an area proximal to channelstem 120. Channel stem 120 may have a rounded or pointed proximal endconfigured to be pushed through channel seal 122. Channel stem 120 maybe resilient enough to maintain its shape when channel seal 122 contactschannel stem 120. When valve 100 is translated distally towards distalinterior surface 121 of valve cylinder 102, channel seal 122 may movefrom a closed position to an open position once channel stem 120 ispositioned within distal opening 126 of channel 124. When channel stem120 is positioned within distal opening 126, channel seal 122 may beopened and fluid may flow around channel stem 120 and channel seal 122into channel 124. Channel stem 120 may be rigid, metal, plastic, orother suitable material. In some examples, channel stem 120 may beincorporated into valve cylinder 102. In some examples, channel stem 120may be cylindrical.

Valve 100 may also include an actuation mechanism 180. Actuationmechanism 180 may include a biasing member, such as spring 184, thatbiases valve 100 towards a first configuration shown in FIG. 1A. In someexamples, spring 184 may be positioned around the longitudinal axis ofvalve 100 and may have a helical shape that wraps around a proximalportion of valve 100 distal to button 105. In other examples, spring 184may be a plurality of springs positioned between button 105 and collar181. When a user presses on button 105, button 105 may compress a springof actuation mechanism 180, and valve stem 104 may translate distally.In some examples, when a user releases the user's finger from button105, valve 100 returns to the first configuration shown in FIG. 1A. Inother examples, actuation mechanism 180 may provide a bistable systemwhere in one stable position the valve 100 is retracted from the distalsurface 121 of valve cylinder 102, and in the other stable positionvalve 100 is extended such that a distal portion of valve stem 104contacts distal surface 121 and/or channel stem 120. In this latterposition, valve 100 may include a locking mechanism to hold valve stem104 in position. In some examples, actuation mechanism 180 may provide ameans for a user to switch between operating configurations of valve100.

An exemplary actuation mechanism 180 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.Actuation mechanism 180 may include a collar 181, a biasing member 184,a seal 185 positioned at a proximal portion of the collar 181, and aprotrusion 183 extending from an exterior surface of valve 100.

Collar 181 may be annular and may include a lumen 189 sized to receivevalve 100. Collar 181 may include an annular channel 186 at a distalportion of collar 181 configured to receive a proximal end of valvecylinder 102. Channel 186 may include a protrusion 187 that isconfigured to extend into a recess of valve cylinder 102 to form asnap-fit and couple collar 181 to valve cylinder 102. For example,channel 186 may receive an outer lip of valve cylinder 102 andprotrusion 187 may extend within a recess of valve cylinder 102 tofixedly couple collar 181 to valve cylinder 102. A seal 185 may bepositioned at a radially-inner portion of channel 186 and may beconfigured to form a slidable interference fit between seal 185 andsurface 103 of valve cylinder 102. Seal 185 may have any of thecharacteristics previously described in relation to seals 132, 134, 136.When collar 181 is coupled to valve cylinder 102, seal 185 may preventfluid from exiting valve cylinder 102.

Seal 130 of valve 100 may also have any of the characteristicspreviously described in relation to seals 132, 134, 136. When valve 100is positioned within lumen 189 of collar, seal 130 may form a slidableinterference fit between seal 130 and collar 181. Seal 130 may preventfluid from exiting from valve cylinder 102 through lumen 189.

Collar 181 may include a second channel 182 extending circumferentiallyabout a central longitudinal axis of collar 181 and positioned at aradially-inner surface of collar 181. An exemplary embodiment of a sidecross-sectional view of second channel 182 and protrusion 183 of valve100 is shown in FIG. 3. Second channel 182 may be annular and mayinclude proximal surfaces 301 and distal surfaces 302, each of which maybe transverse to the longitudinal axis of collar 181. Channel 182 may beconfigured to receive protrusion 183 of valve 100. Surfaces 301 may beangled and configured to guide protrusion 183 between a firstconfiguration (shown in FIG. 1A) and a second configuration (shown inFIG. 1B). Biasing member 184 may bias protrusion 183 towards theproximal direction such that when a user releases button 105, protrusion183 will move proximally until protrusion 183 contacts one of proximalsurfaces 301. Protrusion 183 may include exterior surfaces configured tomate with proximal surfaces 301 and distal surfaces 302 of secondchannel 182. As valve 100 is depressed, such as when a user presses onbutton 105 to move valve 100 distally, the proximal surfaces 301 mayrotate valve 100 by the interaction between one or more of proximalsurfaces 301 and protrusion 183 until protrusion 183 is positionedwithin an intermediate portion 312 in second channel 182 (such as shownin FIG. 3). In other examples, collar 181 will rotate about longitudinalaxis of valve 100, due to forces applied by protrusion 183 on collar181. Once protrusion 183 is positioned in an intermediate portion 312and a user then releases button 105, protrusion 183 may be translatedproximally via a force applied to valve 100 via biasing member 184, thusmoving protrusion 183 from intermediate portion 312 to one of thelocking features 310, 311 of second channel 182. For example, valve 100may be in a first configuration shown in FIG. 1A when protrusion 183 ispositioned at locking feature 310, and may be in a second configurationshown in FIG. 1B when protrusion 183 is positioned at locking feature311. When a user presses down on button 105 and moves valve 100distally, protrusion 183 may move to one of several intermediateportions 312, and then, when a user releases button 105, biasing member184 may translate valve 100 proximally and position protrusion 183 at alocking feature 310, 311 that is adjacent to the locking feature 310,311 in which protrusion 183 was previously positioned. Valve 100 maymove circumferentially around collar 181 as a user transitions valve 100between a first configuration (shown in FIG. 1A) and secondconfiguration (shown in FIG. 1B), and protrusion 183 may slidably engageproximal surfaces 301 and/or distal surfaces 302 as valve 100transitions between the first configuration (shown in FIG. 1A) andsecond configuration (shown in FIG. 1B), for example as protrusion 183moves between locking features 310, 311. Alternatively, collar 181 maymove circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of valve 100 andvalve 100 may not rotate.

In some examples, valve 100 including button 105 may be rotatablerelative to biasing member 184. In other examples, biasing member 184may be fixedly coupled to valve 100 and may be rotatable relative tocollar 181. In some examples, biasing member 184 may be in an expandedstate when valve 100 is in a first configuration shown in FIG. 1A andmay be in a compressed state when valve 100 is in a second configurationshown in FIG. 1B.

When actuation mechanism 180 provides a bistable system, valve 100 maybe configured to move between a first stable configuration and a secondstable configuration. In some examples, the user may press on button 105to move valve 100 distally, compressing a biasing member, untilactuation system 180 creates an audible “click” sound. Once the userhears the audible “click” sound, the user may release button 105 andvalve 100 may be in and/or move to a second stable configuration that isdistal relative to the first stable configuration. The audible “click”sound may be caused, in some examples, by the movement of protrusion 183between locking features 310, 311 and intermediate portion 312 of secondchannel 182. To transition valve 100 from the second stableconfiguration to the first stable configuration, the user may press onbutton 105 to move valve 100 distally until actuation system 180 createsan audible “click” sound, and then the user may release button 105 andvalve 100 may move proximally to the first stable configuration via aforce supplied by the biasing member. In some examples, the first stableconfiguration may be the configuration shown in FIG. 1A and the secondstable configuration may be the configuration shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1A shows valve 100 in a first configuration. In the firstconfiguration of valve 100, neither air nor water may be delivered toeither the proximal opening 125 or distal opening 126 of channel 124.Air or other fluid may be delivered to an air channel of an endoscopevia air inlet 112 and air outlet 114, but water or other fluid is notdelivered to any channel of the endoscope from water inlet 108. Channelseal 122 is positioned proximal to channel stem 120, and thus channelseal 122 seals distal opening 126 and prevents passage of fluid throughdistal opening 126. Seal 136 prevents proximal fluid flow, such as fluidflow from water inlet 108 to water outlet port 110. Seal 134 preventsfluid flow, such as air flow, from air inlet 112 to water outlet 110.Seal 132 prevents fluid flow from air inlet 112 from flowing intoproximal opening 125 of channel 124 and/or from exiting valve cylinder102. Seal 130 prevents fluid flow from exiting valve cylinder 102 at theproximal end, and may serve as a back-up seal to seal 132 for preventingfluid flow from air inlet 112 from exiting valve cylinder 102. In thisfirst configuration shown in FIG. 1A, air or other fluid may be suppliedto air inlet 112 and may flow within an annular space 140 to outlet port114 such that air inlet 112 is in fluid communication with air outlet114. Thus, in the first configuration, air may flow through air inlet112 and out of air outlet 114, and water may not flow to water outlet110, channel 124, or air outlet 114. The arrows in FIG. 1A show this airflow path.

In the second configuration, shown in FIG. 1B, water is delivered to anair channel of the endoscope but air is not delivered to any endoscopechannel. To transition from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration, button 105 may be depressed. For example, button 105 maybe depressed until a user hears an audible “click” sound created byactuation mechanism 180. In some examples, actuation mechanism 180 maycause tactile feedback to a user to indicate that valve 100 is in thesecond configuration.

In transitioning from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration, valve stem 104 may translate distally relative to valvecylinder 102, as a result of button 105 being pressed downward. A forceon button 105 to transition valve 100 from the first configuration tothe second configuration may cause the distalmost end of valve stem 104,which may include channel seal 122, to contact channel stem 120. Oncechannel stem 120 contacts channel seal 122, channel seal 122 may open asvalve 100 moves distally relative to valve cylinder 102 and channel stem120 penetrates channel seal 122.

In the second configuration, channel seal 122 may be open and proximalopening 125 may be aligned with air outlet 114, such that water may flowfrom water inlet 108, through annular space 142, around channel stem120, and into channel 124, to air outlet 114. Fourth seal 136 may beproximal to water inlet 108 and distal to water outlet 110. Thus, waterfrom water inlet 108 may not move proximally past fourth seal 136 towater outlet 110, but may move through channel 124 and air outlet 114 toflush an air channel of an endoscope. Third seal 134 may be proximal ofwater outlet 110 and distal to air inlet 112. Second seal 132 may beproximal to air inlet 112 and distal to air outlet 114, thus preventingair flow from air inlet 112 to air outlet 114. Also, second seal 132 mayprevent water flow from proximal opening 125 from entering air inlet112. First seal 130 may be proximal to air outlet 114 and distal toproximal opening 106, and thus may prevent water flow from proximalopening 125 from exiting valve cylinder 102. As a result, in the secondconfiguration, the only fluid flow to the endoscope sheath is that ofwater through the air channel. The second configuration of valve 100 mayprovide a means for a user to flush the air channel of an endoscope withwater.

In order to make use of valve 100, an operator may insert valve 100 intovalve cylinder 102 of an endoscope. For example, following an endoscopicprocedure, the endoscope may be removed from the patient forreprocessing, a valve used during the endoscope procedure may beremoved, and valve 100 may be inserted into valve cylinder 102. Valve100 may be inserted into valve cylinder 102 by pressing valve 100 intovalve cylinder 102. In some examples, valve 100 may be rotatable by theuser to a selected position, e.g., a keying feature in order to rotatevalve 100 into the correct position within valve cylinder 102. The usermay first apply air flow to air inlet 112 to allow air to flow throughannular space 140 to air outlet 114. Also, user may then transitionvalve 100 from a first configuration (shown in FIG. 1A) to a secondconfiguration (shown in FIG. 1B). Specifically, button 105 may be fullydepressed so that valve 100 transitions to the second configuration(shown in FIG. 1B). Valve 100 may flush water through the air channel.After flushing is complete, a user may release button 105 to stop waterflow to air outlet 114. In other examples, a user may press button 105until an actuation mechanism 180 creates a “click” sound. Then the usermay then release button 105 and actuation mechanism 180 may transitionvalve 100 from the second configuration to the first configuration via abiasing member, and thus stop water flow to air outlet 114. Afterflushing of the air channel is complete, valve 100 may be removed fromvalve cylinder 102. Valve 100 may be removed from valve cylinder 102 bygrasping the exposed portion of the proximal end of valve 100 andpulling proximally to remove valve 100 from valve cylinder 102. Onceremoved from valve cylinder 102, in some examples valve 100 would bedisposed.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict configurations of another exemplary valve 200within a valve cylinder 202. FIG. 2A shows valve 200 in a firstconfiguration, and FIG. 2B shows valve 200 in a second configuration.Valve 200 may have a valve stem 204. Valve stem 204 may be substantiallycylindrical extending along a longitudinal axis and may have a proximalend 209 and a distal end 211. Proximal end 209 of valve stem 204 mayinclude a button 205, which may be configured to be contacted by one ormore fingers of a user in operation of valve 200. External screw/threads270 may protrude radially from a proximal portion of valve stem 204 andmay be configured to be received by thread grooves 260 in valve cylinder202. When valve 200 is inserted into valve cylinder 202, threads 270 mayengage grooves 260 and a user may rotate button 205 in order to couplevalve 200 to valve cylinder 202.

Valve stem 204 may include a channel 224 extending proximally fromdistal end 211 of valve stem 204 to a proximal portion of valve stem204. Channel 224 may include a proximal opening 225, a distal opening226, a bend or turn 227, and a side opening 229. Turn 227 may be anapproximately ninety degree turn such that proximal opening 225 facesradially outward from a central longitudinal axis of valve stem 204 anddistal opening 226 faces the direction of the central longitudinal axisof valve stem 204. Proximal opening 225 may be configured to align withair outlet 214 when valve 200 is fully inserted within valve cylinder202 (shown in FIG. 2B). In some examples, turn 227 may be a curvedportion of channel 224 (not shown). Side opening 229 may be positionedat a distal portion of channel 224 and may connect a side channel 231(shown in FIG. 2B) to channel 224. Side channel 231 may extend in adirection radially outward from the central longitudinal axis of valvestem 204 and may be transverse to channel 224. In some examples, sidechannel 231 may be perpendicular to channel 224. Side channel 231 mayfluidly connect channel 224 to an area at a distal portion of valvecylinder 202 external to valve stem 204. Side channel 231 may beconfigured to align with water inlet 208 when valve 200 is fullyinserted within valve cylinder 202 (shown in FIG. 2B). Channel 224 mayfluidly connect an area at a distal portion of valve cylinder 202external to valve stem 204 to an area at a proximal portion of valvecylinder 202 external to valve stem 204.

Valve stem 204 may also be fitted with a plurality of seals. Forexample, valve stem 204 may include a first seal 230, a second seal 232,a third seal 234, and a fourth seal 236. Seals 230, 232, 234, and 236may be disposed in grooves of valve stem 204. Seals 230, 232, 234, and236 may have any of the properties of seals 130, 132, 134, or 136,described above. Seals 230, 232, 234, and 236 may have a slidableinterference fit with a surface 203 of valve cylinder 202 so that fluids(e.g., air, water) cannot move proximally or distally between seal 230,232, 234, or 236 and the surface 203 of valve cylinder 202. First seal230 may be disposed proximally of proximal opening 225 of channel 224and may be disposed distally of threads 270. Second seal 232 may bedisposed distally of proximal opening 225 of channel 224 and proximallyof third seal 234. Third seal 234 may be disposed distally of secondseal 232 and proximally of side channel 231. Fourth seal 236 may bedisposed distally of side channel 231 and proximally of distal opening226 of channel 224.

Valve stem 204 may also include a face seal 235 positioned at the outlet281 of side channel 231 and coupled to the radially outer surface ofvalve stem 204 (see FIG. 2B). Face seal 235 may be annular and may beconfigured to surround the outlet 281. Face seal 235 may have any of theproperties of seals 130, 132, 134, 136, 230, 232, 234, and 236. Faceseal 235 may have a slidable interference fit with a surface 203 ofvalve cylinder 202 so that fluids (e.g., air, water) cannot move betweenthe outlet 281 and the area external to the radially-outer surface offace seal 235. Face seal 235 may be configured to allow fluid flowbetween water inlet 208 and side channel 231 when outlet 281 is alignedwith water inlet 208. When inlet 208 is not overlapping with outlet 281(such as the configuration shown in FIG. 2A), face seal 235 may preventflow of fluid from side channel 231 into an area outside theradially-outer surface of face seal 235 within valve cylinder 202.

Valve stem 204 may further include a second face seal 237 or static sealcoupled to an exterior surface of valve 200 between the second seal 232and third seal 234. Second face seal 237 may have any of the featuresdescribed above with regard to face seal 235. Second face seal 237 maybe positioned such that when valve 200 is completely inserted withinvalve cylinder 202 (shown in FIG. 2B), second face seal 237 aligns withair inlet 212. When second face seal is aligned with air inlet 212,second face seal 237 may prevent fluid flow between air inlet 212 andthe interior portion of valve cylinder 202 outside the radially-outersurface of second face seal 237. In some examples, second face seal 237may be circular and disc-shaped (without a radially-inner opening) tocompletely cover inlet 212 and may prevent the flow of fluid into theinterior portion of valve cylinder 202 when aligned with air inlet 212.By preventing or blocking fluid flow into the interior portion of valvecylinder 202, second face seal 237 may prevent complications associatedwith air flow within valve cylinder 202 while flushing an air channel ofan endoscope with water, among other potential benefits.

Valve stem 204 may also include one or more threads 270. Threads 270 maybe on a circumferential outer surface of valve stem 204 and positionedproximal to button 205. Threads 270 may couple valve 200 to valvecylinder 202 when positioned within one or more grooves 260 at aproximal portion of the interior surface 203 of valve cylinder 202. Insome examples, one or more threads 270 may be configured to couple valve200 to valve cylinder 202 by a user rotating valve 200 ninety degrees.In some examples, a user may insert valve 200 into valve cylinder 202and rotate valve 200 ninety degrees to position valve 200 within valvecylinder 202 in the configuration shown in FIG. 2B. In other examples,threads may be configured to rotate one hundred and eighty degrees, twohundred and seventy degrees, three hundred and sixty degrees, or anyother amount of rotation to position threads 270 within grooves 260 andachieve the valve configuration shown in FIG. 2B. In some examples,valve 200 may transition between the configuration shown in FIG. 2A andthe configuration shown in FIG. 2B by a user rotating button 205 ninetydegrees. In some examples, valve 200 may transition between theconfiguration shown in FIG. 2A and the configuration shown in FIG. 2B bya user pressing on button 205 and rotating valve 200 simultaneously.

FIG. 2A shows valve 200 in a first configuration. In the firstconfiguration, air may be delivered to an air channel of an endoscopevia air inlet 212 and air outlet 214, but water is not delivered towater outlet 210 or air outlet 214. Seal 236 prevents proximal fluidflow, such as fluid flow from water inlet 208 to water outlet 210. Seal234 prevents fluid flow, such as air flow, from air inlet 212 to wateroutlet 210. Water or other fluid may flow from water inlet 208 throughchannel 224 to proximal opening 225. Seal 232 prevents fluid flow fromair inlet 212 from flowing into proximal opening 225, and prevents fluidflow from proximal opening 225 to air outlet 214 and air inlet 212. Seal230 prevents fluid flow from exiting valve cylinder 202, and preventsfluid flow from proximal opening 225 from exiting valve cylinder 202.Face seal 235 prevents fluid flow between side channel opening 281 andthe exterior portion of valve stem 204 between seals 234 and 236. Inthis first configuration shown in FIG. 2A, air or other fluid may besupplied to air inlet 212 and may flow within annular space 240 to airoutlet 214 such that air inlet 212 is in fluid communication with airoutlet 214. Thus, in the first configuration, air may flow through airinlet 212 and out of air outlet 214, and water may not flow to wateroutlet 210 or air outlet 214.

In the second configuration, shown in FIG. 2B, water or other fluid fromwater inlet 208 is delivered to an air channel of the endoscope, but airor other fluid from air inlet 212 is not delivered to any endoscopechannel. To transition from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration, button 205 may be twisted/rotated. For example, button205 may be rotated until at least one radially-outer portion or flange291, 292 is flush or proximate to opening 206 of valve cylinder 202. Insome examples, distal end 211 of valve 200 may contact distal surface221 of valve cylinder 202 when in the second configuration.

In the second configuration, proximal opening 225 of channel 224 may bealigned with air outlet 214, and side channel 231 may be aligned withwater inlet 208, such that water may flow from water inlet 208, throughside channel 231 and channel 224, to air outlet 214. Fourth seal 236 maybe distal to water inlet 208. Third seal 234 may be proximal to waterinlet 208 and distal to water outlet 210. Face seal 235 may bepositioned around water inlet 208 and side channel opening 281, suchthat fluid flowing between water inlet 208 and side channel 231 does notflow to an area external to valve 200 within valve cylinder 202 exteriorto face seal 235. Channel 224 allows fluid to flow out of distal opening226 to a distal portion of valve cylinder 202. Seal 236 prevents fluidflowing out of distal opening 226 from flowing proximally beyond seal236. Second face seal 237 may be aligned with air inlet 212 and mayprevent the flow of fluid (such as air) into an interior portion ofvalve cylinder 202. Second seal 232 may be distal to air outlet 214 andproximal to air inlet 212, and may prevent fluid flow between proximalopening 225 and air inlet 212. First seal 230 may be proximal to airoutlet 214 and distal to opening 206 of valve cylinder 202, and mayprevent fluid flow between proximal opening 225 and the exterior ofvalve cylinder 202. Thus, water may move through water inlet 208, sidechannel 231, channel 224, and air outlet 214 to flush an air channel ofan endoscope. As a result, in the second configuration, the only fluidflow to the endoscope sheath is that of water through the air channel.The second configuration of valve 200 may provide a means for a user toflush the air channel of an endoscope with water.

In order to make use of valve 200, an operator may insert valve 200 intovalve cylinder 202 of an endoscope. For example, following an endoscopicprocedure, the endoscope may be removed from the patient forreprocessing, a valve used during the endoscope procedure may beremoved, and valve 200 may be inserted into valve cylinder 202. Button105 may be rotated so that valve 200 transitions to the secondconfiguration (shown in FIG. 2B). Valve 200 may flush water through theair channel. After flushing is complete, a user may rotate button 205 tostop water flow to air outlet 114. In some examples, valve 200 may beconfigured to transition from the configuration shown in FIG. 2A to theconfiguration shown in FIG. 2B when a user rotates valve 200 apredetermined degree of rotation, and the predetermined degree ofrotation may be between 60 degrees and 270 degrees. In some examples, auser may rotate button 205 to align valve 200 in the first configurationof FIG. 2A to allow flow of air into air outlet 214, and thus allow airflow into an air channel of an endoscope. After flushing and/or air flowapplication is complete, a user could either move button 205 to disablethe flow of water or air or could simply remove valve 200 from valvecylinder 202 by continually rotating button 205 (such that one or morethreads 270 translate out of grooves 260) and pulling proximally onvalve 200. The endoscope would be subject to further processing, and, insome examples, valve 200 may be disposed.

While principles of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to illustrative examples for particular applications, itshould be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Thosehaving ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings providedherein will recognize additional modifications, applications, andsubstitution of equivalents all fall within the scope of the examplesdescribed herein. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered aslimited by the foregoing description.

We claim:
 1. A valve for use in a medical device, the medical device having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the valve comprising: a valve stem having a lumen extending from a first opening at a proximal portion of a radially-outer surface of the valve stem to a second opening at a distal end of the valve stem; and a plurality of seals positioned relative to the valve stem, wherein the valve stem and the plurality of seals are configured so that a fluid entering the fluid inlet is prevented from flowing to the fluid outlet in a first position of the valve stem and the plurality of seals relative to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; and wherein the valve stem and the plurality of seals are configured so that a fluid entering the fluid inlet is flowable to the fluid outlet in a second position of the valve stem and the plurality of seals relative to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the second position being more distal than the first position relative to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.
 2. The valve of claim 1, further comprising a channel seal at the second opening of the lumen, wherein the channel seal forms a fluid-tight barrier over the second opening in the first position and permits the flow of fluid through the second opening in the second position.
 3. The valve of claim 1, wherein the plurality of seals are configured to form a slidable interference fit with a valve cylinder of the medical device so that a fluid is prevented from flowing between each of the plurality of seals and the wall of the valve cylinder.
 4. The valve of claim 1, wherein the lumen includes a bend proximate to the first opening.
 5. The valve of claim 2, wherein the channel seal is configured to receive a channel stem, and wherein, when the channel stem is positioned within the channel seal, the valve is in the second position and fluid may flow between an area exterior to the valve stem, the second opening of the lumen, and the lumen.
 6. The valve of claim 1, further comprising an actuation mechanism including a button and at least one biasing member, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to transition the valve between the first position and the second position, and the valve is biased towards the first position.
 7. The valve of claim 6, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to align the first opening of the lumen with the fluid outlet when the valve is in the first position.
 8. The valve of claim 2, wherein the fluid inlet is a first fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is a first fluid outlet; wherein the medical device further comprises a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet; wherein the plurality of seals includes a first seal, a second seal, a third seal, and a fourth seal; wherein: the first seal is positioned proximal to the first opening and proximal to the first fluid outlet when the valve is in the first position and when the valve is in the second position; the second seal is positioned distal to the first opening and proximal to the first fluid outlet when the valve is in the first position; the second seal is positioned distal to the first opening and distal to the first fluid outlet when the valve is in the second position; the third seal is positioned distal to the second fluid inlet and proximal to the second fluid outlet when the valve is in the first position and when the valve is in the second position; and the fourth seal is positioned distal to the second fluid outlet and proximal to the first fluid inlet when the valve is in the first position and when the valve is in the second position.
 9. The valve of claim 1, wherein the lumen is a first lumen, and the valve stem further comprises a second lumen extending from a third opening at a distal portion of the first lumen to a fourth opening at a distal portion of a radially-outer surface of the valve stem, wherein the second lumen is transverse to the first lumen, and fluidly connects the first lumen with an area exterior to the valve stem.
 10. The valve of claim 9, wherein the valve further includes: a face seal at the fourth opening of the second lumen, wherein the face seal is annular and is configured to form a slidable interference fit with a wall of the medical device so that a fluid is prevented from flowing between an area outside of the radially outer portion of the face seal and the fourth opening; and an air seal coupled to a radially-outer surface of the valve stem, wherein the air seal is configured to align with a second fluid inlet of the medical device when the valve is in the second position.
 11. The valve of claim 10, wherein the first lumen includes a bend proximate to the proximal opening, and wherein the face seal and the air seal are longitudinally-aligned on a radially-outer surface of the valve stem.
 12. The valve of claim 9, wherein a proximal portion of the first lumen is parallel and longitudinally aligned with the second lumen.
 13. The valve of claim 10, further comprising one or more threads protruding from a proximal portion of the exterior surface of the valve stem, and wherein, when each of the at least one thread are received by at least one groove of the medical device, the first opening is configured to align with the fluid outlet, the fourth opening is configured to align with the first fluid inlet, the air seal is configured to align with the second fluid inlet, and the valve is configured to be in the second position.
 14. The valve of claim 10, wherein the plurality of seals includes a first seal, a second seal, a third seal, and a fourth seal; and wherein: the first seal is positioned proximal to the first opening; the second seal is positioned distal to the first opening; the third seal is positioned distal to the second seal and proximal to the fourth opening; and the fourth seal is positioned distal to the fourth opening and proximal to the second opening.
 15. The valve of claim 14, wherein each of the first seal, the second seal, the third seal, and the fourth seal is positioned within a first recess, a second recess, a third recess, and a fourth recess, respectively; and wherein each of the first recess, the second recess, the third recess, and the fourth recess are in the exterior surface of the valve stem and extend circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the valve stem.
 16. A method of delivering liquid to an air outlet of a medical device, the medical device comprising an air inlet, the air outlet, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet, the method comprising: moving a first seal of a valve distally relative to the air inlet, the air outlet, the liquid inlet, and the liquid outlet from proximal to the air outlet to distal to the air outlet; moving a first opening of a lumen extending through the valve from out of alignment with the air outlet to in alignment with the air outlet, wherein the first opening is at a proximal portion of a radially-outer surface of the valve; applying liquid to the liquid inlet; and delivering the liquid to the air outlet via a second opening in the valve and the first opening in the valve.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: via a stem, opening a channel seal positioned at the second opening to permit a flow of fluid through the second opening and fluidly connect the liquid inlet, the air outlet, and the lumen.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the lumen is a first lumen, and wherein the method further comprises: moving a face seal at a third opening of a second lumen of the valve from out of alignment with the fluid inlet to in alignment with the fluid inlet; and moving an air seal coupled to a radially-outer surface of the valve from out of alignment with the air inlet to in alignment with the air inlet, wherein the air seal prevents air flow from the air inlet into a valve cylinder of the medical device; so that the liquid inlet, the air outlet, the first lumen, and the second lumen are fluidly connected.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: rotating the valve about a central longitudinal axis of the valve.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: moving a third seal of the valve distally relative to the air inlet, the air outlet, the liquid inlet, and the liquid outlet from proximal to the fluid outlet to distal to the fluid outlet and proximal to the fluid inlet; and moving a fourth seal of the valve distally relative to the air inlet, the air outlet, the liquid inlet, and the liquid outlet from proximal to the fluid outlet to distal to the fluid outlet and proximal to the fluid inlet. 